People in Guatemala - descedants of the Maya

Most of Guatemala's population is rural, though urbanization is accelerating. Guatemalas indigenous population, the Maya, has retained a distinct identity. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs,
and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts.
The society of Guatemala a is deeply divided between rich and poor. This division has produced much of the tension and violence that have marked Guatemalas history.

Old woman on market day in Nebaj

Many of the old guatemaltecan people are still branded by the civil war. Thousands of indigenous lost their lives in brutal ways. During the civil war there was barely a family that was not affected by the death of a friend or relative.

Market day in Nebaj

Woman in traditional dress carrying flowers bought on the market

Three generations eating mango

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Our way to Peten

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Busstation

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Market-woman in San Francisco EI Alto

San Francisco El Alto is situated close to Quetzaltenango with an elevation of 2610 m. The market is one of the most busiest of Guatemala.

Girl in cloud forest

On our tour to Chicacnab, a community in the mountains of Alta Verapaz, this Mayan girls was our guide through the cloudforest to her village.

Maya girl with nachete

Not that martial like it seems. Up in the mountains the machete is one of the most important tools used for a broad variety of tasks. Children have to learn how to use it.

Priest in Chichicastenango

Maya priest (chukajau) of Chichicastenango. Priests play an important role in the spiritual life of the Quiche Mayan community. They have the power to act as agent between believers and gods and are privileged to perform important ...

Mayan girl carrying a turkey

The photo was taken on the market of San Francisco el Alto. Every Friday not only fruits and vegetables, but all kinds animals (chickens, sheep, pigs, goats, cows - and turkeys) are traded here.